Empty Floor Hides Voting Rights Battle

In this episode of Congress in Context, we examine the proceedings of the 119th Congress during its brief pro forma sessions on February 13, 2026. While the House and Senate met only momentarily, the sources reveal a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity, including the introduction of twenty-one public bills addressing agricultural reforms (H.R. 7567), geothermal energy (H.R. 7568), and a resolution to censure former President Donald Trump. The episode also dives into the heated debate over the SAVE America Act (S. 1383), highlighting Representative Betty McCollum’s concerns regarding federal voter roll seizures and potential barriers for women voters. Finally, we highlight the personal side of the "Extensions of Remarks," where members honored local legends like Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor on its 70th anniversary and celebrated the life-long contributions of masonry educator Yarbrough Williams, Jr..

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 13, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 7567: Reform and continuation of Department of Agriculture programs through 2031.

• H.R. 7568: Establishing requirements for geothermal energy production.

• H.R. 7569: Increasing penalties for health care fraud.

• H.R. 7570: Tax-exempt advance refunding bonds for public schools.

• H.R. 7571: Sustainability of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program.

• H.R. 7572: Civil rights protection against vigilante checkpoints.

• H.R. 7573: Adjusted SSI allowances for institutionalized individuals.

• H.R. 7574: Reorganization of the DHS Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach Office.

• H.R. 7575: Prohibiting political influence on government attorney prosecutions.

• H.R. 7576: Tax credit for workforce artificial intelligence training.

• H.R. 7577: Minimum wage and tax deductions for tipped workers.

• H.R. 7578: Wildfire risk reduction through forest management.

• H.R. 7579: Grant assistance for low-capacity rural communities.

• H.R. 7580: Prohibition of "nutritionally deficient" foods in SNAP.

• H.R. 7581: Medicare demonstration for kidney donor facilitator training.

• H.R. 7582: Capital gains tax exclusion for automobiles.

• H.R. 7583: Prevention of workplace discrimination and harassment.

• H.R. 7584: Tax credit for multigenerational housing.

• H.R. 7585: Support for workers in industries impacted by technology.

• H.R. 7586: Restrictions on federally financed single-family home sales.

• H.R. 7587: Modification of the BARD Fund.

• S. 1383 (SAVE America Act): A bill regarding federal voter roll management and citizenship proof.

• H.J. Res. 142: Disapproving D.C. income and franchise tax revisions.